Relationship between the estimates of desaturase activities and cardiometabolic phenotypes in Koreans

In the present study, we evaluated the relationships of estimated desaturase activities with cardiometabolic risk factors including abdominal obesity, atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype and inflammation in Koreans. Ninety-three healthy volunteers participated in this cross-sectional study. LDL particle size was determined using gradient gel electrophoresis and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and adiponectin were measured. Stearoyl–coA desaturase, delta-6 desaturase and delta-5 desaturase were estimated as precursor to fatty acid ratios. The results showed that stearoyl–coA desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.235, p<0.05), triglyceride (r = 0.261, p<0.001), and HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.226, p<0.05). Stearoyl–coA desaturase was associated with only triglyceride (r = 0.283, p<0.01). Delta-6 desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.236, p<0.05), waist circumference (r = 0.218, p<0.05), triglyceride (r = 0.399, p<0.001), C-reactive protein (r = 0.333, p<0.001), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (r = 0.229, p<0.05), HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.325, p<0.01), LDL particle size (r = −0.297, p<0.01) and adiponectin (r = −0.233, p<0.05). In contrast, delta-5 desaturase was correlated with body mass index (r = −0.324, p<0.01), waist circumference (r = −0.276, p<0.01), triglyceride (r = −0.329, p<0.01), C-reactive protein (r = −0.215, p<0.05), HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.262, p<0.05) and LDL particle size (r = 0.278, p<0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that delta-6 desaturase (p<0.01) together with waist circumference (p<0.001) were found to be independent factors for determining plasma levels of C-reactive protein (R(2) = 0.230). Estimated desaturase activities are closely associated with the features of cardiometabolic risk in Koreans.